if I want to get into mental health should I become a psych nurse?

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Sorry for all the posts I'm just so confused. This is just like a constant internal debate.

I really want to get into mental health but I am not sure if I should go the psych nurse route or MSW (medical social work) route.

Which is better? Is it realistic for me to want to get into nursing with the sole intention of wanting to do psych nursing? (I know I would have to do floor nursing for a while in the beginning but the only specialty area that interests me a lot is psych).

What are your opinions?

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Specializes in nursing education.

Why not? Psych NP's are definitely needed. Go for it.

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Just remember that as a psych NP, you will be able to diagnose and treat, including prescribing medications. An MSW cannot prescribe. Both roles are important, but they are very different.

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